The American Red Cross (ARC) has asked ACA to announce the recruitment of counselors from across the United States to help support disaster mental health operations in a number of Midwestern and Southern states that were affected by recent tornadoes. Alabama, in particular, was hard hit by the late April storms.

The seminal resource for the development and use of standardized tests and assessment instruments, the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, is being revised and ACA has provided input into the new draft on behalf of members. Published jointly by the American Educational Research Association, the National Council on Measurement in Education, and the American Psychological Association, the current edition was published in 1999. ACA President Marcheta Evans charged the ACA Research and Knowledge Committee with reviewing the proposed revision and outlining areas for feedback. The members of the committee are: Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson (Chair), Ken Coll, Dilanni Perera-Diltz, Brenda Freeman, and Thomas Harrington.

The committee felt that the draft was readable, informative, well-organized, and clearly written. They provided constructive feedback in three critical areas: the need to pay greater attention to fairness in testing, especially as it relates to diversity, multiculturalism, computer-generated interpretation, and reading capabilities; the need to better integrate case examples; and the need to include professional counselors when providing examples of qualified test professionals.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study, the first to examine suicide trends by age and economic cycles, has determined what most mental health professionals suspected—suicides rise during recessions and economic downturns and decline when the economy improves. In looking at U.S. suicide rates from 1928 to 2007, the researchers found that people ages 25 to 64 were more prone to suicide in bad economic times. The researchers suggested difficult economic times call for greater suicide prevention measures and the provision of social support and counseling services for those who lose their homes and jobs.

NACE Report Offers Ray of Optimism for June Grads

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) annual spring report states that employers are reporting double-digit increases in their hiring projections for the first time since 2007. If these projections hold true, the new crop of college graduates, as well as some of those suffering from the recession "hangover," may be heading for work. In the NACE update, employers indicate they plan to hire 19.3% more graduates in 2010-11 than they did last year.

New ACA Text for College Counselors

Group Work and Outreach Plans for College Counselors
Edited by Trey Fitch and Jennifer L. Marshall

In this book, group work and college counseling leaders offer step-by-step instruction in the effective use and processing of structured group activities on topics such as test anxiety; stress and anxiety management; ADHD; career development; substance abuse; eating disorders; and the unique concerns faced by GLBT students, first-generation students, ethnic minority populations, student athletes, and combat veterans.

The descriptions of each activity include tips for successful implementation as well as an overview of relevant theory and research on the topic. Handouts throughout the text enhance the book's usefulness in the classroom and with faculty and parents.

Richard E. Watts, Professor and Director of the Center for Research and Doctoral Studies in Counselor Education at Sam Houston State University said the following about the next text:

"This book is filled with sage advice and practical activities and exercises. It is a unique and valuable contribution to the college counseling literature and should be required reading for all college counselors and student affairs personnel."

In the News: Pet Therapy at Yale Law School

Yale law students are checking something very different out of their law library these days. A recent story in the Hartford Courant tells of how visits with a resident dog are being used to help students handle stress with their academic and lifestyle challenges and the separation anxiety they may be experiencing regarding their personal pets.

In the article, Brian Van Brunt, President of ACA's division, the American College Counseling Association, discusses the history of using animals in therapy and indicates it is one of the creative techniques colleges are currently using to help students during stressful periods.

Counseling Today Needs Book Reviewers

"Resource Reviews," the monthly section in Counseling Today focused on highlighting recent books and DVDs that counselor practitioners, counselor educators and graduate students might find particularly useful or insightful, is on the lookout for ACA members interested in writing reviews. To learn more, please contact "Resource Reviews" section editor Kelly Duncan at Kelly.Duncan@usd.edu.

Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic Guidelines Updated After 27 Years

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Alzheimer's Association recently released revised clinical diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease dementia, the first revision of the criteria in 27 years. The new criteria reflect a major change in how experts think about and study this disorder. The information also contains research guidelines for earlier stages of the disease that clinicians and scientists believe will lead to a deeper understanding of Alzheimer's sufferers.

Conference Clipping: San Francisco Registration, Call for Programs Now Open

Online registration is now open for the 2012 ACA Conference & Exposition in San Francisco, CA, March 21-25 and early bird rates are in effect through August 31

In addition, members wanting to be a part of the San Francisco program can submit proposals for pre-conference Learning Institutes (March 21-22) or Education Sessions (March 23-25) by following the guidelines and using the online forms located here. The program selection committee is particularly interested in proposals that deal with disaster mental health, social media, military members and their families, and the revised DSM-V. Advanced level programs in all areas are also being sought.

Individuals needing technical support in completing the proposal forms should contact Precis Abstract Management, Monday through Friday, 9:00a.m -5:00p.m. (ET) at 866-273-8855, x2. Questions of a non-technical nature about the program proposal process should be directed to Crystal Turner at cturner@counseling.org or 703-823-9800, x229. All proposals must be submitted by 5:00p.m.on June 8

ACA Currently Seeking Conference Proposal Reviewers

If you are interested in reviewing submissions from the ACA 2012 Conference Call for Proposals, and meet the following criteria, please contact Crystal Turner by Tuesday May 31, 2011 at cturner@counseling.org or 800-545-2223 x229:

Current ACA member whose membership category is 'Professional'. Practitioners in a wide variety of settings are sought.

Attended an ACA Annual Conference in the past.

Able to allot 3-5 hours between June 13 – July 1, 2011 to review.

Comfortable reviewing randomly selected proposals. There are 33 topic categories; proposals will not be assigned based on a specific area of expertise.

All program Reviewers are acknowledged in the ACA Conference Program Guide.

Applications for Task Force Revising ACA Code of Ethics Due May 15

Members wishing to be considered for a special task force revising the ACA Code of Ethics have until May 15 to apply. The Ethics Revision Task Force will be comprised of 8-10 individuals who will spend approximately 3 years revising the code with input from a variety of sources. It is anticipated that the draft will be completed in 2014.

Applicants must be ACA members in good standing and maintain their membership during the entire revision process. The following qualifications are desired:

3+ years of post-graduate experience. Doctoral students enrolled in a Counseling or Counselor Education and Supervision program are eligible to apply for one designated slot reserved for a student member.

Experience with the application of the ACA Code of Ethics from a practitioner's perspective and/or participation in scholarly activities pertaining to the ACA Code of Ethics (teaching, publications, presentations, etc.)

ACA wishes to develop an Ethics Revision Task Force rich in diversity; as such, we invite individuals represented in the nondiscrimination section of the ACA Code of Ethics (C.5) to apply. In addition, we are seeking practitioners from varied settings and specialties.

Application Procedures: Send an e-mail stating your desire to be considered for the ACA Ethics Revision Task Force to ethics@counseling.org. For the subject line, please put: "Ethics Revision Task Force application" and include the following:

Your ACA member number, along with a statement verifying that you are an ACA member in good standing and committed to maintaining ACA membership during the entire revision process.

An attached resume or vita.

An attached Word document using Times New Roman 12 point type highlighting practitioner-related experience with the ACA Code of Ethics and/or scholarly activities focusing on the ACA Code of Ethics.

An attached Word document using Times New Roman 12 point type stating why you are interested in serving on the ACA Ethics Revision Task Force.

Click here for FAQs. Members should direct questions to Erin Martz, ACA's Manager of Ethics and Professional Standards, at 703-823-9800, x314 or emartz@counseling.org

White House Launches Effort to Curb Prescription Drug Epidemic

Citing prescription drug overdose as the fastest-growing drug problem in the nation, the White House announced an initiative in April aimed at the abuse of opiods, some of the most powerful pain relievers available to consumers. Calling the initiative, "Epidemic: Responding to America's Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis," the program will focus on reducing abuse and drug diversion (use by individual other than prescription holder), educating both parents and healthcare providers, finding better ways to dispose of unused pills, and strengthening enforcement efforts by closing down on Internet pharmacy mills and doctor shopping.

Fast Fact: Degree Attainment by Americans Climbs, Women Lead

Data from the 2010 census is confirming that the percentage of U.S. citizens with postsecondary education degrees is at an all-time high, led by women who are earning degrees at higher rates than men. Between 2000 and 2010, the percentage of people over the age of 25 who earned a baccalaureate degree jumped from 26% to 30%.

ACA Blog Offers Facebook Rules for Counselors and Other Insights

If you need a positive break from your professional responsibilities, a visit to the ACA Blog will provide an opportunity to review the musings of counselors, counselor educators and counseling students—informing, venting, and waxing philosophical on a mix of issues and concerns. And what's even better, the messages come in digestible chunks.

Recent postings included Anthony Centore's 6 "Facebooking" rules for when counselors engage in social networking with their clients and a suggestion from Ray McKinnis that stress can produce some positive outcomes. Kimberly Beck also weighs in with reflections of her ACA Conference experience and the special feelings she took away from the "Giving Back Day" in New Orleans.

Counselors May Be Eligible for NHSC Loan Repayment Program

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published its 2011 National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program guidelines in April. The NHSC is a competitive program that recruits health professionals to serve in areas with inadequate access to healthcare (referred to as Health Professional Shortage Areas-HPSAs). In return for their service, the corps assists clinicians in their payment of qualifying education loans. To be eligible, counselors must be fully trained, licensed and working at (or in the final stages of employment negotiations with) an NHSC-eligible facility. For more application filing dates and information about the program and to apply online, visit http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/apply.htm.

Contact Rebecca Daniel Burke, Director of ACA's Career Center, if you are interested in feedback from members who have looked into these job opportunities. Contact her at rdanielburke@counseling.org or 800-347-6647, x230.

Graduate Students, New Professionals: Need Your Input

ACA needs your help in constructing the student and new professional segment of the 2012 ACA Conference & Expo in San Francisco next March. Members can contribute to program design and presenter identification by answering the following two questions:

Other than a faculty member in your own counselor education program, who is a famous counselor that you would enjoy seeing (and meeting) at the conference? Who is the person most likely to get the following reaction from you: "I can't believe I'm seeing her/him in person!"

What topics would you like to see at the 2012 conference for the For Graduate Students and New Professional Only series? Most of our student attendees are enrolled in master's degree programs, so while we certainly want doctoral level related programs, ACA is especially desirous of topics that are meaningful to master's level students and new professionals.

Reliable Resource: 460 Colleges and Universities to Accept the Common Application in 2011-12

With the addition of 48 new institutions, the Common Application will be accepted at 460 undergraduate colleges and universities beginning in the fall of 2011. This number includes a record high 62 public institutions.

Once completed online or in print, copies of the Application for Undergraduate Admission can be sent to any number of participating colleges. The same is true of the School Report, Midyear Report, Final Report, and Teacher/Counselor Evaluation forms.

ACA divisions, branches, and regions are valuable sources of learning and professional development. Information on events will be posted approximately 8-10 weeks prior. This information is made available to ACAeNews via the ACA master calendar and the various organization web sites. Send calendar items to dbrown@counseling.org. Please provide the sponsor, dates, theme, site, and contact person information. Information posted here is restricted to that sponsored by ACA divisions, branches, regions and related organizations.

About ACAeNews

ACAeNews is published 24 times annually by the American Counseling Association for the benefit of members across the counseling profession. Any reference to a product, service, activity or listing of a website in ACAeNews does not imply endorsement by ACA. Any views and opinions are those of the sponsoring organization and may or may not be shared by ACA. Past editions can be found here (login required).

Direct comments, questions, and submissions to fburtnett@counseling.org. All submissions will be subject to review by ACA for accuracy, timeliness and relevance to the readership and may be edited to meet space parameters.

Copyright 2011, American Counseling Association, 5999 Stevenson Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304. Telephone: 703/823-9800. Email: fburtnett@counseling.org. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce anything contained in this newsletter as long as the American Counseling Association is identified as the original source of the information.